Apr 2010

• FESTIVAL DES JARDINS ___ April through to October ___ Chaumont-sur-Loire
  Flowers, flowers, flowers... The Chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire hosts its annual international garden festival.
  
  
• PRINTEMPS DE BOURGES ___ 13 - 18 Apr ___ Bourges, Centre
  The Printemps de Bourges is a music festiva has been going since 1977. The most interesting players are the new talents and indeed, many famous bands made their first major concerts in Bourges. It is not expensive and the event is held in the city centre with most events being walking distance from each other.
  
  

May 2010

• FESTIVAL DES JARDINS ___ April through to October ___ Chaumont-sur-Loire
  Flowers, flowers, flowers... The Chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire hosts its annual international garden festival.
  
  
• CANNES FILM FESTIVAL ___ 12th - 23 May ___ Cannes, Provence
  The Cannes Film Festival attracts may visitors from around the world - many come just to gaze at the celebrities. Many spend thier days lounging on the beach, or sipping cafe au laits at outdoor bistros just hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite film star. Each evening when the red carpet is rolled out you have the oportunity to almost rub shoulders with them.
  
  
• MONACO FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX ___ 13 to 16 May ___ Monaco
  France's neighbour Monaco hosts this internationally famous event which takes over the streets of the principality. It is one of Europe's premier social highlights of the year and as such, attracts both the rich and famous from around the world.
  
  
• ROLAND GARROS FRENCH OPEN (TENNIS) ___ May 23 - Jun 6th ___ Paris
  The French Open - one of the most challenging of all the grand slams, takes place on clay courts at Roland Garos in Paris. It is notorious for producing some long and strength sapping rallies.
  
  

Jun 2010

• PARIS GAY PRIDE PARADE ___ June ___ Paris
  This is one of the world's most popular gay events of the year attracting about half a million people. A colourful, joyous occasion - everyone is welcome
  
  
• FESTIVAL DES JARDINS ___ April through to October ___ Chaumont-sur-Loire
  Flowers, flowers, flowers... The Chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire hosts its annual international garden festival.
  
  
• LES NUITS DE FOURVIÈRE ___ June - August ___ Fourvière Amphitheatres, Lyon
  High on a hill above the city of Lyon - an eclectic programme of dance, music and theatre in the two amphitheatres. Built in Roman times by Augustus and Hadrian, it is still used by Fourvière's all-encompassing festival, which spans film, theatre, music and dance.
  
  
• NUITS MÉTISSES ___ June ___ Auxerre - Parc de Roscoff
  Every year this event attracts many thousands of people to the concerts and events that all take place in the centre of Auxerre. It is four days of free concerts that bring together musicians and dancers from all over the world. A truely colourful and cosmopolitan event.
  
  
• ROLAND GARROS FRENCH OPEN (TENNIS) ___ May 23 - Jun 6th ___ Paris
  The French Open - one of the most challenging of all the grand slams, takes place on clay courts at Roland Garos in Paris. It is notorious for producing some long and strength sapping rallies.
  
  
• D-DAY INVASION ANNIVERSARY ___ Jun 6th ___ Basse Normandy
  A wonderful time to visit the World War II sites in northern France and commemorate the sacrifices made to ensure the freedom of Europe.
  
  
• D-DAY INVASION ANNIVERSARY ___ Jun 6th ___ Haute Normandy
  A wonderful time to visit the World War II sites in northern France and commemorate the sacrifices made to ensure the freedom of Europe.
  
  
• THE FRANCOPHOLIES MUSIC FESTIVAL ___ 9th - 19th June ___ La Rochelle
  The La Rochelle Francopholies is now one of the most prominent music festivals in France. Lovers of today’s French and French-speaking forms of musical expression are have a date every year, in the month of July.
  
  
• LE MANS 24-HOUR CAR RACE ___ 12th - 13th Jun ___ Le Mans, Loire
  A sports car endurance race which has been held annually since 1923 near the town of Le Mans, Sarthe, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance, it is organised by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest and run on a circuit containing closed public roads. As its name suggests, it lasts 24 hours through day and night.
  
  
• NATIONAL BLUES FESTIVAL ___ 26th - 29th Jun ___ Le Creusot (Parc de la Verrerie)
  This is the only large Blues event in the region which has been going since 1996 and has grown every year . It has great international importance and attracts many different types of musical performers. Many great names have performed during this festival which is a celebration of Blues, Jazz and Gospel music. It all happens tin the open air in ta very attractive setting.
  
  

Jul 2010

• FESTIVAL DES JARDINS ___ April through to October ___ Chaumont-sur-Loire
  Flowers, flowers, flowers... The Chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire hosts its annual international garden festival.
  
  
• LES NUITS DE FOURVIÈRE ___ June - August ___ Fourvière Amphitheatres, Lyon
  High on a hill above the city of Lyon - an eclectic programme of dance, music and theatre in the two amphitheatres. Built in Roman times by Augustus and Hadrian, it is still used by Fourvière's all-encompassing festival, which spans film, theatre, music and dance.
  
  
• PRIX DE JOCKEY CLUB ___ July ___ Chantilly Racecourse, Chantilly
  Dating back to 1936, the Prix de Jockey Club at Chantilly Racecourse is the French answer to the English Derby at Epsom. This is one of Europe's top race meetings.
  
  
• THE TOUR DE FRANCE ___ Sat Jul 3rd to Sun Jul 25th ___ many regions of France
  An Internationally renowned event that is a celebration of the bicycle. It travels through many regions of France during the period and is watched and followed keenly by millions worldwide. Whether it is the flat, hilly or mountain stage, there is always something for everyone...
  
  
• BASTILLE DAY ___ 14th Jul ___ throughout France
  Just about the biggest celebration of the year in France to mark the storming of the Bastille in Paris on July 14, 1789. Wherever you are in France at this time, you're sure to find something going on - festivities, great food and lots of revelry.
  
  

Aug 2010

• INTERNATIONAL JAZZ IN MARCIAC FESTIVAL ___ August ___ Marciac, Midi Pyrenees
  This event usually attracts some of the biggest international artists. Apart from this particular event, Marciac lives and breathes jazz all year round where the jazz district in Marciac does not have too many quiet times.
  
  
• FESTIVAL DES JARDINS ___ April through to October ___ Chaumont-sur-Loire
  Flowers, flowers, flowers... The Chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire hosts its annual international garden festival.
  
  
• LES NUITS DE FOURVIÈRE ___ June - August ___ Fourvière Amphitheatres, Lyon
  High on a hill above the city of Lyon - an eclectic programme of dance, music and theatre in the two amphitheatres. Built in Roman times by Augustus and Hadrian, it is still used by Fourvière's all-encompassing festival, which spans film, theatre, music and dance.
  
  

Sep 2010

• FESTIVAL DES JARDINS ___ April through to October ___ Chaumont-sur-Loire
  Flowers, flowers, flowers... The Chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire hosts its annual international garden festival.
  
  

Oct 2010

• FESTIVAL DES JARDINS ___ April through to October ___ Chaumont-sur-Loire
  Flowers, flowers, flowers... The Chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire hosts its annual international garden festival.
  
  
• CHABLIS WINE FESTIVAL ___ end of October (weekend) ___ Chablis
  The Chablis Wine Festival takes place over a weekend at the end of October and if you are in the region, its the place to be. In the Saturday there is a competition between the local wine growers but the Sunday provides a bit of a street party atmosphere, with food, wine and lots of family entertainment everywhere.
  
  

Nov 2010

• DIJON INTERNATIONAL GASTRONOMIC FAIR ___ November ___ Dijon Exhibition Centre, Dijon
  Every year Dijon holds the International and Gastronomic Fair which is one of the major events of its kind in France. The fair covers everything from food to shoes to home decoration.
  
  
• BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU'S RELEASE (BOURGOGNE) ___ 3rd Thursday in November ___ Beaujolais Region (Bourgogne)
  Midnight on the third Thursday in November sees the big rush to get this year's Beaujolais Nouveau on the streets and into the shops. There are many festivals to celebrate the arrival of this enticing young wine both in the Beaujolais region and throughout France.
  
  
• BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU'S RELEASE (RHONE ALPES) ___ 3rd Thursday in November ___ Beaujolais Region (Rhone Alpes)
  Midnight on the third Thursday in November sees the big rush to get this year's Beaujolais Nouveau on the streets and into the shops. There are many festivals to celebrate the arrival of this enticing young wine both in the Beaujolais region and throughout France.